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Sale bumped up to face Royals in series finale

White Sox lefty replaces Peavy in rotation, matches up with Shields

5/1/13: Chris Sale strikes out seven in seven innings of two-run ball against the Rangers

By Robert Falkoff
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Special to MLB.com |

KANSAS CITY -- With Jake Peavy still dealing with back issues, the White Sox are moving up Chris Sale to start Monday's series finale against the Royals.

Sale will be working on normal rest because of Friday's weather-related postponement and will refocus on getting Royals hitters out instead of Yankees hitters. The original plan called for Sale to make his next start on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium.

Sale will again be matched against Royals ace James Shields. The White Sox left-hander was in that position on Opening Day at U.S. Cellular Field and came out on top as Chicago prevailed, 1-0.

"I want to build on that," Sale said.

Manager Robin Ventura said Hector Santiago will get the ball for the opener of the Yankees series on Tuesday and the White Sox will wait and see if Peavy is healthy enough to start on Wednesday.

Sale relishes the opportunity to match up against another club's No. 1 starter.

"It's always fun getting their best guy," Sale said. "It's what you want. It's not going to be easy, but it's a challenge and we look forward to challenges. That's the nature of the game."

Sale is 3-2 with a 3.83 ERA, while Shields is 2-2 with a 3.00 ERA.

Robert Falkoff is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.